Life of a C-Bench

In October the Order of the C, a group composed of male varsity athletes, made a stand to create a more inclusive atmosphere at the C-Bench. It has been dominated by “smoking hipsters,” they claimed in an e-mail. Lloyd DeGrane photographed those who congregate around the bench outside Cobb Hall.

From 1903 to the 1960s, the C-Bench was reserved for varsity athletes and their girlfriends.

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By Ruth E. Kott, AM’07
Photography by Lloyd DeGrane

Now the C-Bench is a site for all students to hang out between classes and for campus groups to chalk ads about their events.

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By Ruth E. Kott, AM’07
Photography by Lloyd DeGrane

Smoking hipster? Ryan Gogol, ‘12, blows smoke from a Camel Red 100 butt.

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By Ruth E. Kott, AM’07
Photography by Lloyd DeGrane

Swimmer Brian Young, tennis player Garrett Brinker, and track athlete and Order of the C president Patrick Offner, all fourth-years, discuss the idea with third-year Nick Nunez. Nunez is also on the track-and-field team.

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By Ruth E. Kott, AM’07
Photography by Lloyd DeGrane

The Order of the C plans to hold events at the C-Bench, such as a hot-chocolate giveaway, to promote Chicago’s athletic teams.

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By Ruth E. Kott, AM’07
Photography by Lloyd DeGrane

Since the C-Bench is more than 15 feet away from Cobb’s entrance, as required by the Chicago smoking ban, its location makes it prime territory for lighting up.

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By Ruth E. Kott, AM’07
Photography by Lloyd DeGrane

Juliana Locke, ‘12, rolls a cigarette from a packet of American Spirit tobacco.

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By Ruth E. Kott, AM’07
Photography by Lloyd DeGrane


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